Many individuals who enter the exciting field of nursing struggle alone in deciding which specialty to enter; however, deciding which shift to work is important as well. For some people the decision is simple because they prefer certain hours or have a family and have certain hours that they require. For others the decision is more strategical and requires balancing the benefits vs loses.
The day shift is more practical for people with families and kids who are younger, because kids require some guidance and have some needs that requires monitoring. The day shift is very busy and besides all the physicians entering and leaving the floor, there are physical therapist, respiratory therapist, management, dietary, transporters, and more. Normally the day shift is staffed with more help to assist with all that is going on.
For some the night shift provides more benefits than days. Normally the night shift comes with an extra 3% to 5% differential which really adds up. Another bonus for some is the fact there is no management. Sometimes management can be annoying and all in your face about things. However, there is less staff normally and if you have critical patients and need assistance there is less support staff, so its good to know who you are working with and their strengths and weaknesses. There is less transporting of patients and more time actually spent with nursing care. For most patients its sleep time and they only require medications and tucking in for sleep, but don't be fooled for others the dementia and sun downers kicks in and its time to party. So to each its own, but make sure you work both shifts before making this decision.
What is it for you days or nights?
D.Horton BSN, RN
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